One Direction's new album 'Midnight Memories': What's the verdict?

The trouble with being a pop phenomenon adored by teenage girls everywhere is that a majority of the audience outside of that core fanbase refuses to take the music 100% seriously.

One Direction received scoffs and sarcasm when they teased a more "mature" and "rockier" sound for their third outing in as many years. We all know the boyband's latest collection will top charts globally no matter what, but the question is, does it deserve to on musical merit alone?

When we first heard lead single 'Best Song Ever' back in the summer, those claims of maturity seemed dubious at best, despite the track being a sugary, addictive treat. A more serious singer-songwriter approach was notable on follow-up 'Story of My Life', a folk-washed and reflective anthem that warmed hearts across all time zones.

The remainder of Midnight Memories falls somewhere between the two, allowing One Direction to echo past hits while embracing their place as five growing adults in the world of pop.

1D's proven formula of a soaring chorus and just the right amount of cheekiness is highlighted perfectly on title track 'Midnight Memories' as the group flag down an Addison Lee cab for a night of partying antics in the capital. Along with the pulsing electronics of 'Diana' - complete with its heart-reaching sentiment - they are primed for an explosive reaction at Wembley.

Where One Direction show growth, it comes arm-in-arm with beats and banjos. 'You And I' is a rousing guitar-led declaration of defiance ("Not even the Gods above/ Can separate the two of us"), while 'Don't Forget Where You Belong' chronicles the group's ascent to global stardom while they assert that their feet are still firmly on the ground. This time out, the emotion has more depth, the lyrics feel more personal, and the songs sound more considerate to their own personal tastes.

As for that "rockier" sound they promised, fans don't have to go much further than 'Little Black Dress'. "I wanna see the way you move for me, baby," the guys chant over jaunty electric guitar that results in stomping British rock for the YouTube generation. It's proof that if you're willing to look beyond the pop phenomenon hype and teen-focussed sheen, the music isn't half bad.